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Vacations are a time to escape the daily grind, unwind, and make cherished memories. However, the thought of your empty vacation home can create nagging worries that might spoil the fun. Vacation homes, often left unattended for long stretches, can become easy targets for burglars. The risk of theft, unexpected damage, or vandalism can cast a shadow over your well-deserved break.
According to SGI Canada, there is a residential break-in in Canada every 90 seconds, with daylight hours accounting for more than 80% of these incidents. It's crucial to realize that safeguarding your home is about more than just material possessions; it protects your hard-earned investment and ensures you can truly relax away from home. Here are a few essential tips tailored to vacation homeowners, showing you how to secure your property for complete peace of mind.
Essential Home Security Tips
Reinforce Entryways: Make it difficult for intruders to gain access. Install high-quality deadbolt locks with a minimum 1-inch throw on all exterior doors. 95% of break-ins involve forced entry, emphasizing the importance of sturdy deadbolts. Consider reinforcing vulnerable doors with strike plates mounted on the door jamb to further resist kicking attempts. For additional security, add security bars to vulnerable windows, particularly those on the ground floor or easily accessible from fire escapes or awnings.
Give the Illusion of Presence: Trick those watching your home into thinking it's occupied. Use light timers to switch interior and exterior lights on and off at varying intervals throughout the evening and night. Consider investing in smart bulbs or smart plugs that allow for remote control via your smartphone for even greater flexibility. Program these lights to mimic your typical routine when you're at home, creating a more believable illusion of occupancy.
Keep Valuables Out of Sight: Don't tempt prying eyes. Blinds and curtains can help, but it's best to hide away expensive electronics, jewellery, and other high-value items. Store them in a locked cabinet, drawer, or closet that's not easily visible from windows. If you have a safe, even better! Utilize a heavy-duty, fireproof safe secured to the floor or wall for maximum protection against theft and fire damage. When packing for your trip, avoid displaying any expensive items on luggage left out in the open for extended periods.
Get a Visible Security System: Install a comprehensive home security system with cameras, motion detectors, and audible alarms. These systems act as a strong deterrent to would-be intruders. Opt for a system with exterior cameras positioned strategically to cover entry points and vulnerable areas of your property. For ultimate peace of mind, consider a system offering 24/7 professional monitoring. Security professionals can quickly assess the situation and dispatch emergency services if a break-in is detected, even when you're miles away.
Smart Lock Upgrade: Replace traditional locks with smart locks that grant you remote control via your smartphone. This allows you to lock and unlock doors from afar, providing an extra layer of security and convenience. You can also receive notifications whenever your doors are accessed, letting you know if someone has entered your home while you're away.
Motion-Sensing Lights: Improve nighttime security by installing motion-sensor floodlights around entry points, dark corners, and pathways. Motion-triggered lights not only illuminate potential intruders but also startle them, making them less likely to linger around your property.
Maintain Your Landscaping: Keep trees and shrubs trimmed, especially those near windows and doors. Overgrown foliage creates ideal hiding spots for burglars and can obscure the view from the street, making it easier for criminals to operate undetected. Ensure good visibility around your entire property to deter potential intruders.
Secure Your Outbuildings: Garages, sheds, and workshops often store valuable tools and equipment. Install sturdy deadbolt locks with long throws on all outbuilding doors. Consider reinforcing doors with strike plates for added strength. Motion-sensor lighting is just as important for outbuildings as it is for your main house. A well-lit shed or garage deters nighttime break-ins and makes it more difficult for intruders to steal your belongings.
Additional Considerations Before Vacationing
Neighbourhood Watch: Inform a trusted neighbour about your vacation plans and leave them with a way to reach you in case of an emergency. Ask them to keep an eye on your home, paying attention to any unusual activity. They can also collect your mail, newspapers, and packages to prevent these from piling up and signalling your absence.
Temporarily Halt Deliveries: Contact your postal service, newspaper providers, and any subscription box companies to put a temporary hold on deliveries while you're gone. An overflowing mailbox or a stack of packages on the porch sends a clear message to would-be burglars that no one is home.
Protect Against Power Surges: Unplug non-essential electronics like TVs, computers, gaming consoles, and appliances before leaving. This safeguards them from potential damage caused by power surges during storms or electrical fluctuations. It also eliminates "phantom" energy consumption, saving you a little on your energy bills.
Safeguard Your Important Items: Store vital documents (passports, birth certificates, etc.), family heirlooms, and small valuables in a heavy-duty safe bolted to the floor or wall. Invest in a safe with both fire and water protection to ensure your irreplaceable items are shielded from multiple potential threats.
Review Your Insurance Coverage: Carefully review your homeowners' insurance policy to confirm you have sufficient coverage for theft, vandalism, and potential damage like burst pipes or weather-related incidents. Contact your insurance provider to clarify any details or upgrade your coverage if necessary.
Address Maintenance Concerns: Before departing, fix any plumbing leaks, faulty wiring, or malfunctioning appliances. Small problems left unattended can worsen significantly while you're away, causing extensive and costly damage upon your return. A pre-vacation maintenance check saves headaches down the line.
Consider a House Sitter: For extended absences, consider hiring a reliable house sitter. Their physical presence within your home is the best deterrent against intruders. A responsible house sitter can also water plants, care for pets, and alert you immediately if any problems arise, giving you unmatched peace of mind while you're away.
Proactive security eliminates unnecessary worry, letting you focus on enjoying your hard-earned vacation. By adopting these strategies, partnering with trusted neighbours, and considering advanced security options, you can create a formidable shield around your vacation home. Remember, peace of mind is priceless when you're far from home.
For personalized security assessments and to explore cutting-edge security solutions, contact Security Guard Group at (226) 667-5048.
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